Notre-Dame de Grâce

Gazing at Notre-Dame de la Treille, one might wonder about the origin of its name. It comes from a 12th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of the Treille. The statue was believed to possess miraculous properties and was housed in the Collegiate Church of St. Peter. This church, sadly, was destroyed during the French Revolution. Notre-Dame de la Treille, as we see it today, was intended to be a grand replacement, a new home for the revered statue. The project also aimed to solidify Lille’s religious importance by establishing a bishopric. The construction of Notre-Dame de la Treille was a long and complex undertaking. It began in 1854, fueled by the vision of the Lille bourgeoisie and clergy. An international competition was held to design the new church. Interestingly, the top two designs were submitted by English architects. However, the idea of having Englishmen, particularly Anglicans, build a Catholic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was met with resistance. The project was ultimately entrusted to local architect Charles Leroy. The construction spanned almost a century and a half, facing various financial and logistical challenges. Several architects oversaw different phases. The final, modern facade, completed in 1999, is a striking departure from the neo-Gothic style of the rest of the building. This facade, designed by Pierre-Louis Carlier and engineer Peter Rice, features translucent marble panels that bathe the interior in a warm, orange glow. A circular stained-glass window, designed by Ladislas Kijno, dominates the center. It depicts themes of the Passion and Resurrection, interwoven with intriguing modern elements. The bronze portal, created by Georges Jeanclos, further enhances the unique character of Notre-Dame de la Treille. Inside, another treasure awaits: a grand organ. Originally housed in the Paris radio studio 104, it found a new home in Notre-Dame de la Treille in 2007. Below the cathedral lies an expansive crypt. It’s one of the largest in Europe, housing contemporary religious art and important tombs. Notre-Dame de la Treille’s history is as multi-layered as its architecture. From a miraculous statue and a lengthy construction to a modern facade and a renowned organ, this cathedral offers a captivating blend of tradition and innovation.